The Story of My Shelter Rats

Two years ago, on May 31, I adopted three baby boy rats from my local SPCA. These three little critters were the last of a litter up for adoption - three adorable brothers who won my heart in a matter of minutes. I had always had a soft spot for rats, but these were my first pet rats. My sons helped me name them -- Loki, Ace and Ventura -- though we did do a little reassignment of names once their personalities became a bit more clear. They quickly settled in; my dogs still seem unsure about sharing attention with rats, but we all coexist quite well. These three lovely rats have enriched my life immensely and I love them all. Sadly, we lost Ventura to a respiratory infection at just 18 months old, though he fought it valiantly for months. Now, just as we were getting ready to celebrate 2 years with Loki and Ace, an occasion already tinged with sadness because Ventura is no longer with us, Ace came down with a mild respiratory infection -- and his vet also discovered a tumor in his abdomen. Ace is fighting hard, just like his brother did, and antibiotics have perked him up a bit -- but given the rate at which he declined over a matter of days I am having a hard time feeling optimistic and am preparing for the inevitable. Pet rats are wonderful pets -- except for their short lifespan (generally 2-3 years). So on this, the 2nd anniversary of me finding my boys, I am so very grateful to have had these 3 lovely rats in my life, but also worried and sad.

Read more about my boys: A Tale of Three Shelter Rats

Photo of Ace (in younger days) © Lianne McLeod